Border Patrol Agent
Department: Department Of Homeland Security
Agency: Customs and Border Protection Job Announcement Number: BPA 10-1
Salary Range: $38,619.00 - $63,259.00 /year
Series & Grade:
GL-1896-05/09
Promotion Potential: 11
Open Period: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 to Thursday, September 30, 2010
Position Information: Full Time Excepted Service Permanent
Duty Locations:
Many vacancies - South Texas, TX Many vacancies - West Texas
New Mexico, NM Many vacancies - California, CA Many vacancies - Arizona, AZ
Who May Be Considered:
United States Citizens
Job Summary:
Online registrations close at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on 09/30/2010 or at 11:59
pm EDT on the day that the first 100,000 eligible applications are received, whichever
comes first. No registrations will be accepted after that date and time. We recommend
that you register and test as soon as possible in order to receive early consideration.
Early Consideration: Early hiring consideration will be given to those applicants who
complete the online registration process by July 31, 2010 and test by August 27, 2010.
Organizational Location: Positions are located in South Texas, West Texas/New Mexico,
Arizona and California.
RESTRICTION: If you have taken the Border Patrol Agent examination previously and
wish to retest either because you previously failed the test or because you would like to
try to obtain a higher score, there is a required waiting period before you are eligible to
retake the exam. You must wait twelve months from the date on your Notice of Results
before you can register to retake the Border Patrol Agent examination. Please note that if
you previously took and passed the Border Patrol Agent examination and you elect to
retake the examination in an attempt to improve your score, your new score will
supersede any previous test score, even if it is lower than your previous score.
NOTE: If you have already been tentatively selected for a Border Patrol Agent position
and you reapply under this announcement, and are referred and re-selected, your new
referral and selection under this announcement will supersede ANY existing Border
Patrol Agent selection for which you are currently in process whether for a Northern
Border or Southern Border position certificate.
Current Border Patrol Agents are advised that this announcement is explicitly intended
for hiring new trainee agents into the U.S. Border Patrol to increase staffing levels. It is
not intended for use in moving current Border Patrol Agents to new duty locations.
Current Border Patrol Agents interested in new duty location assignments should inquire
through their chain of command about upcoming voluntary reassignment and/or
relocation opportunities.
BPA Online Application
AGE REQUIREMENT – Candidates must be referred for selection before reaching their
40th birthday. However, the age restriction may not apply if you are currently serving or
have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (non-military) position
covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). The age restriction does not
apply if you are a veterans’ preference eligible.
Key Requirements:
* US Citizenship
* No Convictions for Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence
* Medical Exam and a Physical Fitness Test
* Background Security Investigation
* US Residency or its protectorates or territories for the last three years
* Drug Test and second Physical Fitness Test
Major Duties:
Salary: The salary shown above includes Law Enforcement pay and is from the Rest of
US pay scale for the lowest grade/step (GL-5/1) and the highest grade/highest step (GL9/10). Salaries vary by grade level and are adjusted for locality once the selection is made
for a specific Sector/Station. The following link displays the locality pay tables by
geographic area. If you do not see your geographic area listed, select the last table list
"Rest of the United States".
http://www.opm.gov/oca/10tables/indexGS.asphttp://www.opm.gov/oca/10tables/indexL
EO.asp
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
What types of positions are being filled? Border Patrol Agent positions are full-time
positions filled under the Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP). The Federal Career
Intern Program is a program that helps federal agencies recruit talented individuals for
entry-level government positions. Federal Career Intern Program appointments are
designed with a 2-year internship, during which time you will be learning the job and the
organization, attending formal training programs and developing your skills. If your
performance and conduct are satisfactory, your appointment will be made permanent
after the 2-year internship. The Federal Career Intern Program is an “excepted service”
appointing authority.
CBP Securing America's Borders
Whether on the frontlines or serving behind the scenes supporting our mission, the men
and women of CBP are dedicated to keeping America safe. CBP counts on them. Our
Nation counts on them. Can we count on you?
CBP Mission Statement: We are the guardians of our nation's borders. We are America's
frontline. We safeguard the American homeland at and beyond our borders. We protect
the American public against terrorists and the instruments of terror. We steadfastly
enforce the laws of the United States while fostering our nation's economic security
through lawful international trade and travel. We serve the American public with
vigilance, integrity, and professionalism.
Discover a challenging and rewarding career in CBP, the sole organization responsible
for securing the nation's borders. As part of our carefully selected, highly trained team,
you'll leverage state-of-the-art technology, innovative strategies and world-wide
partnerships to protect our communities and defend our frontier.
At U.S. Customs and Border Protection, we:
· Screen passengers, vehicles, and shipments entering our country
· Seize illegal narcotics, vehicles, and agricultural products
· Prevent unauthorized entry into the country
· Rescue individuals who fall into dangerous conditions traversing our
border
For more information about CBP's mission, activities, and careers, visit our web site,
http://www.cbp.gov/.
One of the most important activities of a Border Patrol Agent is line-watch. This involves
the detection, prevention, and apprehension of undocumented aliens and smugglers of
aliens at or near the land border by maintaining surveillance from a covert position,
following up leads, responding to electronic sensor alarms, infrared scopes during night
operations, low light level television systems, aircraft sightings, and interpreting and
following tracks, marks and other physical evidence. Some of the other major activities
are farm and ranch checks, traffic check, traffic observation, city patrol, transportation
check, administrative, intelligence, and anti-smuggling activities.
Qualifications:
You may qualify for the BPA position based on education, experience, or a combination
of both.
Experience Requirements for a GL-5 level: Applicants must have a substantial
background of work experience of which at least one year must have been comparable in
level of difficulty and responsibility to grade GS-4 in the Federal service. This experience
must have demonstrated the ability to do all three of the following:
1. Take charge, make sound decisions, and maintain composure in stressful situations;
2. Learn law enforcement regulations, methods and techniques through classroom
training and/or on-the-job instruction;
3. Gather factual information through questioning, observation, and examination of
documents and records.
Experience Requirements for a GL-7 level: Applicants must have one year of law
enforcement experience comparable in level of difficulty and responsibility to GL-5 in
the Federal service that demonstrated the ability to do all four of the following:
1. Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms;
2. Deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner
in connection with law enforcement matters;
3. Analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and
appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions and sound
law enforcement matters;
4. Develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.
Experience Requirements for a GL-9 level: Applicants must have one year of law
enforcement experience comparable in level of difficulty and responsibility to GL-7 in
the Federal service that demonstrated the ability to do all eight of the following:
1. Develop cases, conduct interviews or interrogations, apprehensions, and arrests in
order to further the process or cease development.
2. Prepare cases and appear as a professional witness in court.
3. Exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms and conduct training, qualification
exercises, or courses in the proper care and use of firearms.
4. Deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous and tactful
manner in their detention, control or interrogation, and work to promote effective
community outreach programs and public relations.
5. Analyze and disseminate intelligence information and data rapidly; and apply a
practical knowledge of the laws, concepts, operational practices and law enforcement
methods and techniques in order to independently perform duties typically encountered in
law enforcement.
6. Develop and maintain contact with a network of informants, social and political
organizations, state and local enforcement agencies, and private citizens, to ensure
continuity of enforcement work and to carry out enforcement responsibilities.
7. Use a variety of law enforcement databases and information retrieval systems, such
as TECS, NCIC, and NEXUS.
8. Prepare reports and write other documents that deal with the collection, protection,
and recording of evidence, the presentation of testimony, and the retention of
informational materials concerning illegal activities and practices encountered during
daily activities.
The grade level will be determined based on the information provided in your
application. If you are offered and accept a position as a BPA at the GL-5 or GL-7 level,
the grade level cannot be changed after you have entered on duty.
Education: If applicants do not have the work experience described above, 4 academic
years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, or a bachelor's degree from an
accredited college can be substituted and is fully qualifying for the GL-5 level. For the
GL-7 level, one full year of graduate education in law or in fields related to law
enforcement (e.g. criminal justice, police science, etc.) is qualifying, or meeting the
provisions of Superior Academic Achievement (SAA). (Additional information on SAA
maybe found at: http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-II/s2-e5.asp ) Education
obtained from a foreign university or college is not creditable for qualification
requirements unless it has been evaluated by a private foreign educational credential
evaluation service. (See http://www.naces.org/members.htm for a list of organizations
that provide this evaluation service).
Combining qualifying experience and education:
If you do not qualify based on experience or education alone, you may be able to qualify
based on a combination of your experience and education.
For more information on BPA Qualification Requirements, please see
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/careers/customs_careers/border_careers/application_process
/basic_requirements_for_bp.xml
U.S. Citizenship: Candidates must be United States citizens and present proof of
citizenship, if selected.
Residency: CBP also has a residency requirement that applies to all applicants other than
current CBP employees. If you are not currently a CBP employee, CBP requires that for
the three (3) years prior to applying for this position, individuals must have: physically
resided in the United States or its protectorates or territories (excluding short trips abroad,
such as vacations), worked for the U.S. government as an employee overseas in a Federal
or military capacity, and/or been a dependent of a U.S. Federal or military employee
serving overseas.
Exceptions may be granted to applicants if they can provide complete state-side coverage
information required to make a suitability/security determination. Examples of state-side
coverage information include: the U.S. address of the company headquarters where the
applicant's personnel file is located, the state-side address of the professor in charge of
the applicant's "Study Abroad" program, the church records for the applicant's overseas
church missions, and/or the U.S. addresses of anyone who worked or studied with the
applicant while overseas. If selected for a position, applicants must provide this
information when filing their application for employment.
Background Security Investigation: Prior to appointment, tentative selectees must
undergo and satisfactorily complete a background investigation, which includes but is not
limited to a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) name and fingerprint check and a 10year background investigation. As part of the investigation you will be asked to complete
and submit a security questionnaire (SF-86). The questionnaire will ask you questions
regarding education, residences, past and current employers, police records, financial
situation, drug and alcohol use, etc. The background investigation will consist of, among
other things, a personal interview, a check for arrest records, a credit check, and
interviews of employers and personal references. A history of problems in any of these
areas may result in your disqualification for this position. Keep in mind that because we
have a law enforcement mission, we set a very high standard for our employees.
Appointment to this position may require the successful completion of a polygraph
examination.
Security Clearance: This position requires a security clearance. If selected for this
position, you will be required to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance.
Motor Vehicle Operation: Border Patrol Agents must possess a valid state driver's license
at the time of appointment.
Selective Service Registration: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959,
you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are
exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
Firearms: Firearm proficiency is required for Border Patrol Agents and is part of the
training provided.
Mandatory Completion of Basic Training: Soon after entering on duty, Border Patrol
Agent interns are detailed to the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico for
approximately 11 weeks of intensive instruction in immigration and nationality laws, law
enforcement and Border Patrol-specific operations, drivers training, physical techniques,
firearms, and other courses. Soon after arriving at the Academy, all students are tested in
their language abilities. Those who score below an established benchmark are assigned to
an additional 8-week Spanish class at the Border Patrol Academy which will extend their
stay to 19 weeks, while the fluent Spanish speakers who successfully complete the 11week program report back to their duty stations. Upon successful completion of the
Academy training, all interns begin the Field Training Program (FTP) and the Post
Academy Training Program (PATP) at their stations and sectors. The FTP will consist of
on-the-job, hands-on training with an experienced agent. The PATP is a combination of
web-based training and instructor led training and will require the intern to successfully
pass seven unit exams. The intern's progress through both programs and job performance
is evaluated by review panels at 12 months and 20 months after entering on duty. If the
intern's progress remains satisfactory through the 24th month, s/he is no longer an intern
and is converted to a permanent appointment. Failure to successfully complete the 24month internship will result in termination of employment.
Physical and Environmental Conditions: BPA applicants must be physically able to
perform strenuous duties, under rigorous environmental conditions. Duties require
physical stamina in running long distances, climbing, jumping, etc., withstanding
exposure to extreme weather conditions for extended periods; and standing/stooping for
long periods of time. Irregular and protracted hours of work are also required.
Overtime and Shift Work: This position requires regular and recurring overtime and shift
work. You must be willing and available to work overtime and rotating shifts. You may
also be rotated between assignments and duty locations.
Uniforms: This position requires you to wear an officially approved uniform while in a
duty status.
Age Requirement: In accordance with Public Law 100-238, this position is covered under
law enforcement retirement provisions. Candidates must be referred for selection before
reaching their 40th birthday. However, the age restriction may not apply if you are
currently serving or have previously served in a federal civilian law enforcement (nonmilitary) position covered by Title 5 U.S.C. 8336(c) or Title 5 U.S.C. 8412(d). The age
restriction does not apply if you are a veterans’ preference eligible. Applicants claiming
veterans’ preference will be required to provide proof of preference after they have been
tentatively selected for the position of BPA. Applicants who are still on active duty and
therefore cannot obtain a DD Form 214 can provide a statement of active service dates
and a list of medals and awards they have received in lieu of their DD-214.
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence: If you have ever been convicted of a
misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, it is a felony for you to possess any firearm or
ammunition. A misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is defined as any offense, which
has an element, the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a
deadly weapon, committed by a current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian of
the victim. The term "convicted" does not include anyone whose conviction has been
expunged or set aside or who has received a pardon. As a condition of employment,
individuals selected for Border Patrol Agent positions are required to carry weapons and
ammunition as part of their official duties. Therefore, an individual with a conviction of a
misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not be employed in a Border Patrol Agent
position.
How You Will Be Evaluated:
Proof of Veterans’ Preference: Applicants claiming veterans’ preference will be required
to provide proof of preference after they are tentatively selected for the position of BPA.
Applicants who are still on active duty and therefore cannot obtain a DD Form 214 can
provide a statement of active service dates, and a list of medals/awards they have
received in lieu of their DD Form 214. Additional information on veterans’ preference
may be found at the following website http://www.opm.gov/veterans/. Do not submit
your proof of veterans’ preference (DD-214's) until it is requested after you have been
tentatively selected.
Written Test: You must pass a written test. The written test consists of general abilities
and language testing. Since Border Patrol Agents must speak and read Spanish,
applicants are required to take either an artificial language test designed to predict ability
to learn a foreign language, or a Spanish proficiency test designed to test their Spanish
language ability.
Basis of Rating: To be eligible, applicants must have a score of at least 70 (excluding
veterans’ preference points) on the written test.
Oral Hiring Board: All candidates must take and pass an oral hiring board (OHB)
interview. Candidates will appear before an OHB panel and demonstrate that they
possess the abilities and other characteristics important to Border Patrol Agent positions.
Among these are the competencies of judgment/decision-making, emotional maturity,
interpersonal skills, and cooperativeness/sensitivity to the needs of others. The OHB will
be rated on a pass/fail basis. Candidates must receive a “pass” in all areas in order to
continue in the hiring process. During the registration process for the written test,
applicants will be asked to choose one of 39 cities where they would like to take the
OHB.
Drug Testing: All applicants for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to
screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. This is a drug test designated position;
incumbents are subject to random testing.
Physical Requirements: You must be physically able to perform strenuous duties, under
rigorous environmental conditions. For example, duties require physical stamina in
running long distances, climbing, jumping, etc., withstanding exposure to extreme
weather conditions for extended periods; and standing/stooping for long periods of time.
Irregular and protracted hours of work are also required. Prior to an offer of employment,
you must undergo a pre-employment medical examination and be medically qualified to
perform the full range of duties of the position efficiently and without hazard to yourself
or others.
Medical Requirements: Vision and hearing deficiencies are common reasons for medical
disqualification. Uncorrected distant vision (without glasses or contacts) must be equal to
or better than 20/100 in each eye. Binocular vision must be correctable to 20/20 with
glasses or contact lenses. Peripheral vision, depth perception and color vision must be
normal. Refractive surgical procedures (such as LASIK surgery) are considered
acceptable provided the individual's vision meets the above standards post-operatively,
and an acceptable recovery time period has occurred. The individual must be free of postoperative complications. For refractive surgery, the results of an additional evaluation by
an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist will be required to insure that vision is not impeded
due to post-operative complications such as glare and contrast-sensitivity, and the
individual must be cleared for rigorous law enforcement training including exposure to
pepper spray. Hearing must meet specific standards. The use of any hearing aid to
comply with the medical standards is unacceptable.
Any disease or condition that interferes with the safe, efficient, and expected performance
of the job duties or required training may constitute grounds for medical disqualification.
Individualized assessments of each person's medical history, current condition, and
medical qualifications will be made on a case-by-case basis. Final consideration and
medical determination may require additional information and/or testing. If medical
information is required beyond the pre-placement examination, it is provided at the
candidate's expense.
For additional information on medical requirements, please see
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/careers/customs_careers/border_careers/application_process
/basic_requirements_for_bp.xml" \l
"MedicalQualificationRequirementsdeu.bpa.nhc@dhs.gov.
Step 4 – Oral Hiring Board. The Oral Hiring Board (OHB) is a structured interview
conducted given by three Border Patrol Agents. The OHB consists of situational
questions that do not require technical knowledge. The OHB assesses a candidate's
judgment/decision making, emotional maturity, interpersonal skills, and
cooperativeness/sensitivity to the needs of others. These qualities are key to successful
performance as a Border Patrol Agent. The OHB is a pass/fail interview. Candidates must
receive a "pass" in all areas in order to continue in the hiring process.
Step 5 - Pre-Employment Process. In addition to completing step 4, you must also
undergo and successfully complete a drug test, medical examination, fitness test, and
background investigation. These will be scheduled and completed as soon as possible. In
addition, you will be required to pass a Physical Fitness Test (PFT2) 30 days prior to
attending the Border Patrol Academy. For additional information on the pre-employment
process, please visit our website at:
http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/careers/customs_careers/border_careers/application_process/
Required Documents:
You ARE required to bring the BPA test admission notice and a government-issued
photo ID with you to the written test.
You are not required to submit official documentation as part of your registration
package. If you are tentatively selected for this position, you may be asked to submit
unofficial documentation (i.e. transcripts, veterans’ preference) during the preemployment process. However, prior to your entry on duty to the Border Patrol Agent
position, you must provide the required official documentation as requested. All
documentation provided to the Minneapolis Hiring Center must be submitted in English.
Contact Information:
BPA Entry Level DEU
Phone: (612)467-7027x1
Fax: (612)727-2222
Email: DEU.BPA.NHC@DHS.GOV
Agency Information:
Customs and Border Protection CBP
Minneapolis Hiring Center
1 Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, MN 55111
Fax: (612)727-2222
What To Expect Next:
EEO Policy Statement: http://www.usajobs.gov/eeo
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: http://www.usajobs.gov/raps
Veterans Information: http://www.usajobs.gov/vi
Legal and Regulatory Guidance: http://www.usajobs.gov/lrg